A government employees’ dance troupe that had received Rs 8 lakh from the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund for taking part in a competition in Thailand has returned the money after a controversy erupted over it last week. After a Right to Information query had revealed the transaction, the opposition slammed the move and questioned the Devendra Fadnavis government’s priorities at a time when the state is reeling under severe drought. A member of the dance troupe said that they were hurt about the entire controversy and will be travelling at their own expense now.

The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund is intended to provide immediate assistance to those affected by disaster within Maharashtra or anywhere in the country. An official from the chief minister’s office had dismissed any wrongdoing, saying the fund can be used for financing cultural activities as well.